United Steelworkers District 7 Director Mike Millsap said contractors are also being laid off, but that those cuts won't impact the union steelworkers who operate the refinery.

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"We are always looking at our business to make sure that we have the right people in the right roles to operate efficiently, safely and reliably," Abendhoff said. "BP is committed to treating employees with respect and dignity throughout this organizational change."

The company lost $6.5 billion last year, which was the largest annual loss in its history.